Pope pledges to work for peace and reconciliation

Pope Benedict XVI held the first general audience of his new pontificate today, pledging to work for reconciliation and peace.

He also referred to Europe’s Christian roots in what is expected to be a major theme of his papacy.

The Pope touched on the issues as he described how he chose his name, recalling Pope Benedict XV, who led the church during World War I.

“In his footsteps I place my ministry in the service of reconciliation and harmony between peoples.”

He also recalled St. Benedict of Norcia, a patron saint of Europe, “whose life evokes the Christian roots of Europe. I ask him to help us all hold firm to the centrality of Christ in our Christian life.”

Benedict arrived in St. Peter’s Square in an open-topped jeep-like vehicle surrounded by security guards.

The weekly appointment has been a fixture for recent Popes, and an estimated 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the event.

Faithful waved and reach out to him as the vehicle, with the pope standing in the back, passed through the square.